Wisdom from Elias Chacour
As the Methodist blogosphere is in uproar over the issue of Palestine/Israel. it is good to hear some words from Elias Chacour, the author of "Blood Brothers."
You who live in the United States, if you are pro-Israel, on behalf of the Palestinian children I call unto you: give further friendship to Israel. They need your friendship. But stop interpreting that friendship as an automatic antipathy against me, the Palestinian who is paying the bill for what others have done against my beloved Jewish brothers and sisters in the Holocaust and Auschwitz and elsewhere.
And if you have been enlightened enough to take the side of the Palestinians -- oh, bless your hearts -- take our sides, because for once you will be on the right side, right? But if taking our side would mean to become one-sided against my Jewish brothers and sisters, back up. We do not need such friendship. We need one more common friend. We do not need one more enemy, for God's sake.
Now that is spiritual depth!
posted by Paul Martin at 9:46 PM
3 Comments:
I had the privilege of meeting Elias Chacour in 1989 on a theological and ministerial students' trip to the 'Holy Land'. It was amazing to see someone from the Maronite tradition working with Christians from the other end of the theological spectrum, Mennonites, in peace and reconciliation. We were at his church on a Sunday morning, and he spoke to us before the Mass. He told us that no-one ordained him to check membership tickets, and if we presented ourselves to receive the sacrament, who was he to refuse? O for more like him.
11:03 PM
A fine man!
2:13 PM
Archbishop Elias Chacour steadfastly continues his journey for peace through reconciliation and education through all the drama of the Arab Spring in countries around. Education is the foundation of society and good education vital to peace. It is not dramatic, does not attract media attention but is reaping rewards in starting to heal the wounds of the Holy Land conflict. You may be interested to visit the website of Archbishop Chacour's UK support group, 'Ashray' for up to date info on his work. www.ukashray.wordpress.com. You are very welcome to join Ashray too. Do get in touch. Audrey (Chair, Ashray)
3:39 PM
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